System and method for preserving historical information for viewing by posterity

Abstract

A system and method that will enable individuals or organizations to store any digital information they wish to preserve for posterity. According to typical methodology, the individual may establish an account with a service provider through which information may be collected for posterity. For example, the service provider may maintain a website to which the information can be uploaded in digital format. The account holder may access the account at any time to manipulate, edit or annotate the information.

1. A method performed by a service provider for preserving historical information for later viewing, said method comprising steps of:
 (a) maintaining a website which may be accessed by users wishing to establish an account at which information is collected and stored in digital format that is uploaded by an account-holder; 
 (b) establishing an account corresponding to said account holder; 
 (c) receiving selected information uploaded by said account-holder in digital format so as to vary contents of said account; 
 (d) at the occurrence of a predetermined event, writing said selected information into a nonvolatile data storage device; and 
 (e) incorporating said said nonvolatile data storage device into an unrelated object from which at least some of said selected information stored thereon can be locally viewed using a separate portable electronic device which provides operating power to the nonvolatile data storage device. 
 
     
     
       2. A method as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said unrelated object is a grave marker indicating the grave of said account holder. 
     
     
       3. A method as set forth in  claim 2 , wherein said nonvolatile data storage device is contained is a water-resistant housing. 
     
     
       4. A method as set forth in  claim 3 , wherein said water-resistant housing comprises an elongate tube having a removable cap at one end thereof. 
     
     
       5. A method as set forth in  claim 4 , wherein removal of said cap provides physical access to a USB connector. 
     
     
       6. A method as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said selected information includes at least one of photographs, written text, video and sound recordings. 
     
     
       7. A method as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said selected information includes information regarding a residence. 
     
     
       8. A method as set forth in  claim 7 , wherein said selected information includes architectural information. 
     
     
       9. A method as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said nonvolatile data storage device includes an electrical connector providing a port for downloading said information. 
     
     
       10. A method as set forth in  claim 9 , wherein said electrical connector comprises a USB connector. 
     
     
       11. A method as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said nonvolatile data storage device is contained in a housing adapted for mounting in a wall of a building. 
     
     
       12. A method as set forth in  claim 11 , wherein said housing is substantially in the form of a single electrical junction box. 
     
     
       13. A method as set forth in  claim 11 , further comprising a cover plate fixed adjacent one end of said container, said cover plate defining an opening for access to an electrical connector providing a port for downloading said selected information. 
     
     
       14. A method as set forth in  claim 13 , further comprising a movable cap for covering said opening in said cover plate. 
     
     
       15. A method as set forth in  claim 13 , wherein said electrical connector comprises a USB connector. 
     
     
       16. A method as set forth in  claim 13 , wherein said nonvolatile data storage device derives operating power from said portable electronic device. 
     
     
       17. A method as set forth in  claim 13 , wherein said selected information includes information regarding a residence. 
     
     
       18. A method as set forth in  claim 17 , wherein said selected information includes architectural information. 
     
     
       19. A method as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said unrelated object is a stuffed animal.